subject: Quartz Worktops - A Classic Choice for the Home Improvement [print this page] Author: jasoncolling Author: jasoncolling
Quartz is counted under the category of most demanding minerals in the world, second only to feldspar. Having multi-faceted appearance, this silicone-based element has been utilised for making jewellery of precious gemstones since the beginning of man's history. Quartz acts as a prism, emitting a rainbow of colours when light is shone upon it. That's the reason that why people are tending today towards the usage of quartz worktops in elegant kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartz crystals themselves can be found in a huge selection of colours, which is another reason they are so often chosen for kitchen and bathroom design schemes. Pure quartz includes a mostly transparent or translucent nature, and the various other minerals that become embedded with quartz crystals lend a whole host of hues to the overall effect. Black, white, grey, citrine yellow, rose and amethyst are the most basic shades in which quartz naturally appear. Other varieties of opaque gemstones that are usually mixed with quartz crystals include carnelian, agate, jasper and tiger's eye.
Quartz worktops will usually be made of these more pure crystals, yet they can also be made by combining crystals with resins and other combining agents to make a super-hard surface that will resist scratches that can mar other worktop materials. Apart from that, this manufacturing process further strengthens quartz' resistance to water damage, making this style of quartz worktops one of the most non-porous surfaces available.
As though quartz wasn't colourful enough in its natural state, the manufactured quartz worktops can be imbued with even more varieties of hues. Pigments can be added during the manufacturing process of their along with the bonding agents - the result is a selection of colour shades that is unequalled in any other natural stone construction material. For this reason, these are fast becoming the choice of kitchen and bath designers.
Another outstanding feature of manufactured quartz worktops is their variety of textures and appearance. This aspect can be controlled in the manufacturing process by utilising either very fine crystals for a smooth, uniform look or larger crystals for a more aggregated appearance. This is yet one more alternative a kitchen designer or a home-owner has available to them in their quest to create a unique and very attractive design scheme that can combine a variety of colours and textures in an overall design pattern.
The maintenance of their is very easy and hassle-free. This is especially true for engineered Quartz worktops, which are not only resistant to impact and abrasions, but also resistant to substances commonly found in kitchens, such as oils and acids. Using ordinary household soap and water, the surfaces of these worktops can be cleaned easily.About the Author:
Jason Colling is a renowned writer who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles, Quartz worktops and Bathroom tiles.
